Do you live in a smoke contol area? You can find out by going to the 'my property' section of the website. Just click on the words 'my property' in the top green menu and enter your postcode. You will then be given a range of information about the property in which you live including whether or not it is in a smoke control area.

If you run a business it is vital that you conform with health and safety legislation and that you understand your responsibilities. Here we answer some frequently asked questions about health and safety procedure.

Even if you live a long way from a river or the sea, floods can happen anywhere from a variety of sources which include surface water, blocked sewers and groundwater as well as rivers and the sea. Generally, it is up to the landowner to maintain any flood defences and to take reasonable steps not to increase the flood risk to anyone else.

Form to use to register a food business, notify us of premises and/or vehicles used in the preparation or transportation of food. There are some useful guidance notes to accompany this form that we suggest you read before completing and returning the form to us.

Flooding can occur at any time for a number of reasons. We cannot stop flooding but we can all take steps to reduce the risks of it. It is best to be prepared. Find out if you live in a property that is known to be at the risk of flooding by checking out the maps on the Environment Agency's website. There are also booklets available with advice on how best to take precautions.

Copeland, like most of the country, has a long history of industrial activity which has led to a legacy of contaminated land. Where land is contaminated there may be serious consequences for human health and the environment. The law (2000 Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990) requires us to inspect our area for contaminated land and ensure it is cleared up appropriately.